DepEd Doubles Down on Literacy: FLEMMS Survey Sparks Renewed Education Drive Across the Nation

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In a powerful reaffirmation of its commitment to uplift Filipino learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) has vowed to intensify literacy efforts nationwide, as results from the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) reveal both promising gains and pressing opportunities.

The survey, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), shows that basic literacy in the country remains strong at 93.1% among individuals aged 10 to 64. This figure signifies that a vast majority of Filipinos possess the foundational ability to read, write, and compute—skills considered the bedrock of education and empowerment.

Yet, beyond the basics lies a deeper challenge: functional literacy—defined as the capacity to understand and apply information in real-life situations—stood at 70.8%, indicating that nearly three in ten Filipinos still struggle to make meaningful use of written information in daily tasks.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his statement during the Ceremonial Signing of the Joint Circular on the Establishment of Child Development Centers, underscored the importance of foundational learning:

“Reading to children improves their language, develops their cognitive skills, and allows them to appreciate learning... Early high-quality education supports children’s physical and emotional development, which they need for school readiness.”

DepEd has taken this directive to heart, pledging to bolster its Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and National Reading Programs—cornerstone initiatives designed to cultivate not only literacy but lifelong learning habits.

A Tale of Two Literacies: Basic vs. Functional

While the high basic literacy rate serves as a beacon of progress, the relatively lower functional literacy rate signals an urgent call for transformation in how literacy is taught and applied.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized this dual narrative:

“These figures affirm our ongoing efforts to strengthen foundational education while also highlighting areas where we can further enhance our learners’ skills. With a strong literacy base in place, we are poised to expand our programs to ensure that every Filipino gains the ability to think critically and engage meaningfully in society.”

Regional Triumphs and Challenges

The survey offers an insightful look into the nation's educational topography. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) emerged as a leader in functional literacy at 81.2%, reflecting robust regional strategies that bridge learning and application. Meanwhile, Central Luzon posted the highest basic literacy rate at 92.8%, reinforcing the efficacy of targeted educational frameworks.

However, the data also reveals significant disparities between regions, prompting DepEd to develop localized interventions and differentiated instruction models tailored to the specific needs of each area.

Rewriting the Literacy Playbook

In response to these findings, DepEd is rolling out curriculum enhancements that prioritize critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world comprehension over rote learning. Teachers will be equipped with innovative pedagogy, and schools will implement strategies that make literacy education more interactive, inclusive, and culturally relevant.

“We are continuously innovating our approaches to ensure that literacy education remains dynamic, engaging, and accessible to all,” Secretary Angara noted. “By integrating comprehension and analytical thinking into our programs, we aim to produce learners who are not only literate but also highly competent in navigating real-world challenges.”

A Collective Mission for a Literate Nation

Fostering literacy, DepEd reiterates, is not the task of a single agency. It is a shared responsibility—a collective mission that requires the synergy of government agencies, local communities, private institutions, and Filipino families.

“We celebrate these literacy milestones while also committing to continuous improvement,” said Angara. “Functional literacy is a powerful tool for national development, and we invite all sectors to join us in this mission.”

The 2024 FLEMMS surveyed 177,656 households and 572,910 individuals aged 5 and above, offering one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the country’s literacy landscape in recent years.

The Road Ahead

In an age where information is currency and knowledge the ultimate empowerment, literacy remains a pillar of national progress. As the Department of Education rises to the challenge, guided by data, bolstered by policy, and inspired by purpose, the dream of a fully literate and critically-thinking Filipino society inches closer to reality.

The battle for literacy is not just about teaching people to read and write—it’s about arming them with the tools to think, decide, and shape their own futures. And that is a cause worth fighting for.

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